Women are still lagging far behind

â€œWomen are still lagging far behind if you are talking about gender parityâ€

Educator and feminist NandiniSardesai talks to KetanTanna about feminism and what it takes to be a woman in a manâ€™s world.

FPJ:â€ˆWhat does feminism mean?

NandiniSardesai: Itâ€™s a very contextual term and again it would vary from community to community. Sometimes it may even vary from region to region. But basic essence of feminism for me is that it is empowerment of women, both in public and private and lack of gender bias.

I donâ€™t say equality because equality is not possible. There are biological and cultural differences. But instead of saying gender equality I would like to say there should be gender parity. That is within each context whether culturally or regionally, there should not be any prejudices or any sort of barriers which hamper the women from having same opportunities and options like the male in that particular context.

A: If you are taking my definitions in terms opportunity, empowerment and options, I donâ€™t think in India, we are anywhere even half way through. On paper, we have fantastic, very progressive Constitution as compared to other countries. But a lot of itâ€™s only on paper and they will talk of equal wages or you talk of opportunities and we just find out that itâ€™s not happening. When you look around you so many incidents where women are being treated, maltreated .The discrimination that you see around, you just wonder we are referring to only more very very 0.1 percent of the total Indian population, really experiencing this sort of empowerment but by and large in this country, in urban and rural areas, women are still lagging far behind if you are talking about gender parity.

How can feminism move forward?

A: Well you know the Constitution has been laid down a lot of things but education is very important and yet I would like to redefine the term education because education doesnâ€™t always lead to enlightenment. You can have all the knowledge from the book but it doesnâ€™t make you think differently, if it doesnâ€™t makes you look at a woman from neutral perspective, I donâ€™t think education is really making a difference becauseâ€¦and here we are talking about education for both women and men. Both of them have to learn to think differently. Sometimes I feel women are their worst enemy. They themselves still internalise in certain stereotypical role and they are not prepare to change and men around them are happy that this is not happening.

So the education that we give in our schools and colleges should be of different type.

It should be based on awareness among women, their rights their privileges, about what they are able to do and this has to be done for both the men as well as the women because ultimately they have to work together. Feminism cannot be anti men. It should be working with men. Equal participants. We can have betibachao, betikopadhao and all these slogans. But if the mindset of the people does not change and if the perception of a woman remains same, I think itâ€™s not going to happen.

So how do you think itâ€™s going to pan out in the next decade?

A: Decade is too short. We have been free from now over 60 years and of course there have been changes and itâ€™s very obvious when we see more women are working and you know, those things are there. We are not where we were in 1947. We have come long way from then but again we have to see howâ€™s the woman are treated at their workplace, if she is a working woman is she expected to carry out as her primary responsibility. Though she had hard day at workplace does she still have to come home and then tend to do the domestic duties? Few people say men must help; I never say men must help. They should share the work. If woman is late then man must cook the food.

There is one criticism against feminism that itâ€™s been misused and overused in the current scenario. Do you agree with that?

A: That notion is because Feminism is not properly understood. If you keep on thinking this is anti male or aggressive women, no thatâ€™s not what Feminism means. Feminism means sharing equal responsibility and where the woman and the man work together side by side and the male is equivalent to the female. They both have to be in this together. Itâ€™s not anti male, thatâ€™s what they say if youâ€™re being feminist you are being aggressive and difficult.

You know, we keep on thinking that women should be gentle and tender, why canâ€™t the man also be gentle and tender and why canâ€™t the woman also be aggressive ?. We can have the same qualities. These are the way itâ€™s constructed, these are masculine and feminine. I would like to use the word masculine and feminine. Male and female are biological whereas masculine and feminine are gender based.

So you may say these are masculine qualities and these are feminine qualities. No nothingâ€™s like that. There can be aggressive men and gentle loving men. If I am a male and I am going to be a doctor I will have to be soft and caring and if as a woman I am joining the armed force, I will have to be aggressive. Unfortunately as you very rightly said the word Feminism is banded around for all the wrong reasons and it has been given very stereotypical. They are just asking for equality and not just on the paper, but equality which is obvious and same chances that are given to males

Does womenâ€™s day really matter?

A: No, itâ€™s like why do we have to celebrate birthday anyways we are going to get a day older. Why do we celebrate Independence Day? To spread the awareness. I am not saying to celebrate but observing a day and focusing on certain issues which are important to the women. Itâ€™s a nice thing itâ€™s like initiating a thought process. I am not saying that observing the day will change things around me. My maid asked me â€˜kalyehmahila divas hey yehkya he?â€™ so I told her. This way, I reached out to one person. I have seen the change so may be working for me she has become quite empowered. It all depends on how you interpret it.

A: Again it differs to films to films or media. Some films do show that and some films donâ€™t show it. Again the people working in the media play a very very important role. What they depict in films and write is going to have far reaching effects. So media is a very powerful. It can bring out the change we are talking about can it happen in next decade. May be if the media takes it upon itself.

Comments: 152 replies added

Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you are a great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will often come back very soon. I want to encourage you to continue your great work, have a nice morning!
ロンジン時計コピー http://www.csmv-plongee.fr/index.php/inscription-2/2-inscriptions

The West Brom winger converted Ryan Fraser's low cross with a first-time strike to earn Scotland a 1-0 victory against Hungary in Budapest. The goal was Phillips' first at international level. Matt Phillips happy to keep working on striker role after scoring first Scotland goal in friendly win over Hungary
https://bit.ly/2JCArSc

The Liverpool boss is not concerned by his defensive options heading into the opening weekend of the season, despite being able to field one senior centre back in 3-1 friendly win on Tuesday. 'We don't need 12 centre halves': Jurgen Klopp dismisses defensive worries after Liverpool beat Torino
https://bit.ly/2S3sXus

Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!
http://www.folorentorium.com/

Hello my family member! I wish to say that this article is awesome, nice written and come with approximately all significant infos. I would like to look extra posts like this .
http://www.folorentorium.com/

"I have seen that car insurance organizations know the motors which are vulnerable to accidents along with other risks. In addition they know what kind of cars are inclined to higher risk along with the higher risk they have got the higher a premium rate. Understanding the basic basics with car insurance will allow you to choose the right style of insurance policy that may take care of your preferences in case you become involved in any accident. Appreciate your sharing the particular ideas for your blog."
http://www.seobook.com/user/ntra4torpros

"Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!"
http://amicableequipments.com/

"It's actually near unattainable to come across well-educated readers on this content, although you come across as like you comprehend the things you're writing about! Excellent"
https://vimeo.com/user95736027/about

This is very open with a really clear explanation of the challenges. It was truly informative. Your website is useful. Thank you for sharing!
http://www.viveremontese.it/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=1576048

"Thanks for your article. I have generally observed that most people are eager to lose weight since they wish to show up slim and also attractive. Nonetheless, they do not constantly realize that there are many benefits so that you can losing weight as well. Doctors state that over weight people experience a variety of illnesses that can be instantly attributed to their own excess weight. Fortunately that people who are overweight along with suffering from various diseases are able to reduce the severity of their own illnesses by way of losing weight. It's possible to see a slow but marked improvement with health when even a moderate amount of fat reduction is achieved."
https://www.udemy.com/user/itedwes3tand/

I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I'm not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my difficulty. You're incredible! Thanks!
http://www.governmentjobsvacancies.Com

Hi, I just wanna commenting how wonderful the information you have in this article. There are some extra related reference to it. Refer to One Normanton Park or One Normanton Park Thank you for visitng
https://normantonpark-s.com/project-details

That's cool, I just thought of saying how good the information you have in this article. There are some alternative related reference to it. Refer to Riviere Condo or Riviere Thank you for visitng
https://rivieres.sg/site-plan

You're so awesome! I do not suppose I've read through something like that before. So great to find somebody with a few original thoughts on this issue. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the web, someone with a bit of originality!
http://biznfljerseyscheapshop.com/how-to-repair-your-drywall-after-you-tear-down-a-mirrored-wall/

I just want to say I am just beginner to weblog and definitely liked you're blog. Very likely I’m want to bookmark your website . You certainly have perfect articles. Regards for sharing your blog site.

Thanks for expressing your ideas. I'd also like to say that video games have been actually evolving. Today's technology and innovative developments have made it easier to create sensible and interactive games. These entertainment video games were not actually sensible when the actual concept was first being attempted. Just like other forms of technology, video games too have had to evolve by many ages. This itself is testimony for the fast progression of video games.
https://reelgame.net/

I've been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be a lot more useful than ever before.

Good post. I study something more difficult on completely different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content material from different writers and follow a bit of one thing from their store. I’d choose to make use of some with the content material on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a link on your net blog. Thanks for sharing.

I have been surfing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be a lot more useful than ever before.

Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren't loading properly. I'm not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I've tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same results.

Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.

You really make it seem really easy with your presentation but I in finding this matter to be really something which I believe I would by no means understand. It seems too complex and extremely vast for me. I am having a look ahead for your subsequent put up, I’ll attempt to get the dangle of it!
https://www.sandiego.gov/insidesd/san-diego-startup-success-underground-elephant

Thank you for this article. I would also like to convey that it can often be hard while you are in school and merely starting out to create a long history of credit. There are many individuals who are merely trying to survive and have a lengthy or favourable credit history can often be a difficult issue to have.

You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
http://gotodevryu.com/laineoxgo/post-buku-koran-poker-249466.html

Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I have really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!
https://list-wiki.win/index.php?title=Situs_Judi_Poker_Online_Pengiriman_Uang_10000_Tampak_Untuk_Anda

I genuinely enjoy reading through on this site, it contains great content . "The great secret of power is never to will to do more than you can accomplish." by Henrik Ibsen.
https://www.callupcontact.com/b/businessprofile/ML_Luxury_Drive/7206754

Hiya, I'm really glad I've found this info. Today bloggers publish just about gossips and internet and this is actually annoying. A good site with interesting content, this is what I need. Thanks for keeping this website, I'll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Cant find it.
https://www.kickstarter.com/profile/1408271466/about

This design is incredible! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost...HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

Thanks for discussing your ideas. I'd personally also like to say that video games have been ever before evolving. Today's technology and revolutions have aided create genuine and interactive games. These kinds of entertainment video games were not really sensible when the real concept was first of all being tried. Just like other kinds of technology, video games also have had to grow as a result of many ages. This itself is testimony to the fast continuing development of video games.

I enjoy you because of all of the work on this web site. My mother enjoys working on internet research and it's really easy to understand why. Almost all hear all of the dynamic ways you convey rewarding guidelines through your website and as well as foster response from others about this matter then my girl has always been studying so much. Enjoy the remaining portion of the year. You have been doing a wonderful job.
https://wiki-global.win/index.php?title=Web_Judi_Poker_Online_Deposit_10000_Ada_Buat_Ente

Hi there would you mind stating which blog platform you're using? I'm planning to start my own blog soon but I'm having a difficult time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I'm looking for something completely unique. P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

I cling on to listening to the news update speak about receiving free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the most excellent site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i get some?
http://BROWN-CCTV.COM

Howdy would you mind stating which blog platform you're working with? I'm looking to start my own blog in the near future but I'm having a difficult time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I'm looking for something unique. P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
https://speakerdeck.com/pearson21dickinson

I've been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be much more useful than ever before.

I would like to voice my passion for your kind-heartedness for folks who have the need for assistance with this particular issue. Your real dedication to getting the message across was particularly helpful and have truly encouraged workers much like me to achieve their ambitions. This helpful advice denotes a great deal a person like me and somewhat more to my mates. With thanks; from everyone of us.

Hi, Neat post. There's an issue together with your web site in web explorer, may test this… IE still is the market leader and a good component to other people will omit your excellent writing due to this problem.

Thanks for another fantastic article. The place else could anyone get that type of information in such an ideal method of writing? I've a presentation next week, and I'm on the look for such information.

Its good as your other blog posts : D, thanks for putting up. "The present is the necessary product of all the past, the necessary cause of all the future." by Robert Green Ingersoll.
https://voblerone.com/product/bearking-rudra-130sp/

Thank you for your whole labor on this website. Kate loves conducting investigation and it's really easy to see why. I notice all relating to the powerful mode you produce advantageous tips and tricks through the blog and even cause contribution from others on this area plus my daughter is always becoming educated a lot. Enjoy the remaining portion of the year. You're the one carrying out a tremendous job.
http://www.sungdo.ru/

Yet another issue is that video gaming became one of the all-time most important forms of fun for people of various age groups. Kids enjoy video games, and adults do, too. The actual XBox 360 is amongst the favorite gaming systems for people who love to have hundreds of games available to them, and also who like to experiment with live with other folks all over the world. Thank you for sharing your ideas.

Great blog you have here but I was curious about if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I'd really love to be a part of online community where I can get opinions from other experienced people that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Many thanks!

I like the helpful info you provide on your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check once more here frequently. I am somewhat certain I’ll learn many new stuff proper right here! Good luck for the following!

We're a group of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community. Your website provided us with helpful information to paintings on. You've performed an impressive job and our entire community will likely be thankful to you.

I have observed that in the world today, video games include the latest fad with kids of all ages. Many times it may be impossible to drag the kids away from the video games. If you want the best of both worlds, there are several educational activities for kids. Good post.

Hello! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few months of hard work due to no back up. Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?

Wow that was strange. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn't show up. Grrrr... well I'm not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say great blog!
https://totocenter77.com/

I just couldn't go away your website prior to suggesting that I really loved the standard information a person supply in your guests? Is gonna be back steadily in order to check out new posts
https://www.wcx77.com/

Hey! I know this is kinda off topic however , I'd figured I'd ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa? My site goes over a lot of the same subjects as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you're interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Great blog by the way!

hi!,I really like your writing very so much! share we be in contact extra about your article on AOL? I need an expert on this area to solve my problem. May be that is you! Looking ahead to peer you.
http://totohonjin.com/

I have been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this website. Studying this info So i am glad to express that I've a very good uncanny feeling I came upon just what I needed. I most definitely will make sure to do not omit this site and give it a look on a constant basis.

Thank you so much for providing individuals with such a remarkable possiblity to discover important secrets from this site. It is always so useful plus packed with fun for me personally and my office friends to visit your blog at a minimum thrice in 7 days to learn the latest stuff you will have. And of course, I'm usually happy for the astounding creative ideas you serve. Selected 1 points in this posting are completely the most suitable we have all ever had.